Illinois police agencies granted a second deadline to fully implement the SAFE-T Act

CHICAGO — The second trailer bill to the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, championed by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), which addresses police and sentencing reform, the Illinois cash bail system and violence reduction, was signed into law on Friday.

“I am proud of our continued efforts to reimagine public safety in the state of Illinois,” said Sims. “I appreciate the Governor for signing House Bill 3512 and recognizing that there is still more work to do as we work to change the culture of policing.”

The new laws address implementation challenges with body camera footage labeling, detainee phone calls, officer decertification, and officer training. House Bill 3443, the first trailer bill to the SAFE-T Act, focused on issues that had an implementation date of July 1, 2021.

Implementation dates specific to pretrial services, body camera labeling and officer training were extended to Jan. 1, 2022, and Mandatory Supervised Release and the officer decertification process were extended to July 1, 2022.

“With this, we’re not making any major changes to the original SAFE-T Act, instead, we are granting law enforcement personnel additional time to roll out implementation dates,” said Sims. “We want to give law enforcement agencies our full support in ensuring we get this right for the people in our communities.”

House Bill 3512 was signed into law on Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Sims mourns the death of Thorton Township Supervisor

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the death of Thornton Township Supervisor, Frank Zuccarelli:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Frank Zuccarelli, the Thornton Township Supervisor and Committeeperson.”

“A devoted public servant for more than 40 years, Frank’s infectious laugh, smile and commitment to Thornton Township, South Suburban College and the Southland area will be deeply missed.” 

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family and the Thornton Township family he loved so much. Z-Team-Forever.”

Operation Cover Chicago Toy Giveaway Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Sims: Lansing Municipal Airport to receive nearly $500,000 in state funding

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) announced a nearly $500,000 state investment to help maintain and upgrade the Lansing Municipal Airport on Friday.

“The Lansing Municipal Airport provides good jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Sims. “The new funding will allow for improvements and new equipment for inclement weather conditions.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Lansing Municipal Airport is set to receive nearly $500,000 for new airport snow removal equipment.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” said Sims. “I am proud of the state’s contributions to help maintain and develop one of city’s greatest economic engines after such a tough year.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Department of Transportation’s website.